Mogao Cave 285: Heavenly Beings

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Western Wei dynasty

These images are located to the left and right of the main niche in the back (west) wall of Cave 285. On the left side is Vishnu, or Narayana, who has eight arms and three heads. The two smaller faces are green and black. Below Vishnu are two unknown heavenly beings. The heavenly being on the left with three eyes and a jeweled crown resembles Sakra. The heavenly being on the right holds a bowl of flowers to make offering. On the top section to the right of the niche is Mahesvara, who has three heads and six arms. Mahesvara wears a crown and rides a green cow. Below are Kumaraka and Ganesa. Kumaraka, on the left, has four arms and a topknot worn in the style of a Xianbei youth. The figure is seated on the back of a peacock. Ganesa, on the right, has the head of an elephant and the body of a human.
Below the heavenly beings are the Four Heavenly Kings, two on each side. They wear Persian crowns surmounted by a sun and a moon, and have curled hair that hangs down over their shoulders. All the kings have raised eyebrows, glaring eyes, and mustaches. They are dressed for battle, and each holds a weapon, except Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North, who holds a stupa.